Ice-water immersion and delayed-onset muscle soreness: a randomised controlled trial
- 8 March 2007
- journal article
- research article
- Published by BMJ in British Journal of Sports Medicine
- Vol. 41 (6), 392-397
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.033985
Abstract
Objective: To determine if ice-water immersion after eccentric quadriceps exercise minimises the symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Design: A prospective randomised double-blind controlled trial was undertaken. 40 untrained volunteers performed an eccentric loading protocol with their non-dominant leg. Interventions: Participants were randomised to three 1-min immersions in either ice water (5±1°C) or tepid water (24°C). Main outcome measures: Pain and tenderness (visual analogue scale), swelling (thigh circumference), function (one-legged hop for distance), maximal isometric strength and serum creatine kinase (CK) recorded at baseline, 24, 48 and 72 h after exercise. Changes in outcome measures over time were compared to determine the effect of group allocation using independent t tests or Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups with regard to changes in most pain parameters, tenderness, isometric strength, swelling, hop-for-distance or serum CK over time. There was a significant difference in pain on sit-to-stand at 24 h, with the intervention group demonstrating a greater increase in pain than the control group (median change 8.0 vs 2.0 mm, respectively, p = 0.009). Conclusions: The protocol of ice-water immersion used in this study was ineffectual in minimising markers of DOMS in untrained individuals. This study challenges the wide use of this intervention as a recovery strategy by athletes.Keywords
This publication has 41 references indexed in Scilit:
- Sports Massage after Eccentric ExerciseThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2004
- POPPING SARCOMERE HYPOTHESIS EXPLAINS STRETCH‐INDUCED MUSCLE DAMAGEClinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 2004
- Delayed Onset Muscle SorenessSports Medicine, 2003
- The effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on isometric and dynamic knee extensor strength and vertical jump performanceJournal of Sports Sciences, 2002
- Effects of cold water immersion on the symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damageJournal of Sports Sciences, 1999
- Effect of Cryotherapy on Muscle Soreness and Strength Following Eccentric ExerciseInternational Journal of Sports Medicine, 1997
- Delayed Muscle SorenessSports Medicine, 1995
- Muscle soreness, swelling, stiffness and strength loss after intense eccentric exercise.British Journal of Sports Medicine, 1992
- Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and AdaptationSports Medicine, 1989
- Myofibrillar Damage Following Intense Eccentric Exercise in ManInternational Journal of Sports Medicine, 1983